Animal Quick Find

Broad-shelled river turtles are one of Australia’s largest freshwater turtle species, reaching a carapace length of 50cm. Looking at an adult specimen it’s hard to imagine them small enough to hatch from an egg.

These long necked turtles are hatched from hard-shelled eggs (typically reptiles lay soft leathery eggs) deposited by the mother in the sandy banks of our fresh water turtle pond where they may have spent up to an entire year incubating!

Habitat

Broad-shells are quite common throughout river systems and dams in Queensland and New South Wales and will feed on anything they can catch. Their long, snake-like neck aids in ambushing prey.

Diet

Fish, insects, frogs and some small reptiles are their preferred food sources.

Our Tortoises And Turtles

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By sponsoring one of our animals or conservation projects at Australia Zoo, not only do you have the satisfaction of knowing you are making a difference - you will also receive gifts of appreciation according to the level at which you sponsor! Wooo-hoo!